What is the Anemia Panel?
The Anemia Panel is a comprehensive blood test that includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Iron (serum), Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), and Ferritin. These tests may help diagnose different types of anemia and assess your overall iron levels.
Why is the Anemia Panel Important?
This panel is crucial for identifying anemia, a condition where your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues. This test is essential in both conventional and functional medicine to detect iron deficiency and other related conditions early, enabling timely treatment.
Why Should You Consider Ordering this Test?
If you experience symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or shortness of breath, it may be wise to order this test. Understanding your iron levels can help manage your health better and guide necessary dietary or medical interventions. Also, if you are experiencing these symptoms, reach out to your primary healthcare provider immediately.
Labs Included in Your Order
| Test Name | Reference Ranges | High and Low Levels Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) |
|
High: May indicate infection, inflammation, or certain blood disorders.
Low: May indicate anemia, bone marrow problems, or chronic illness. |
| Iron (serum) | 60-170 mcg/dL | High: Could suggest hemochromatosis or iron poisoning.
Low: Indicates possible iron deficiency anemia or chronic blood loss. |
| Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) | 240-450 mcg/dL | High: May suggest iron deficiency anemia.
Low: Could indicate malnutrition, inflammation, or liver disease. |
| Ferritin (the storage form of iron) | 20-500 ng/mL (male), 20-200 ng/mL (female) | High: May indicate iron overload disorders such as hemochromatosis.
Low: Suggests iron deficiency anemia. |
Anemia Panel FAQs
What is the test for?
This panel tests for various markers to diagnose anemia and evaluate iron levels in your body. It includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC), serum iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), and ferritin levels.
What do low and high levels mean?
High levels of markers may indicate conditions like hemochromatosis or infections, while low levels may point to iron deficiency anemia or chronic illness. Also, if you are experiencing these symptoms, reach out to your primary healthcare provider immediately.
What are the signs and symptoms of the issue the test is testing for?
Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches. If you experience these, it’s important to get tested and most importantly, talk to your primary healthcare provider.
How often should I retest?
Retesting frequency depends on your initial results and any treatment plans. Typically, follow-up tests are recommended every few months if you have anemia or related conditions.
How accurate is the test?
This panel is highly accurate and widely used in medical diagnostics to assess anemia and iron levels. However, results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional for the best accuracy.
Are test results private and confidential?
Receive test results securely on TrueHealthLabs.com under ‘My Account.’ It’s critical that you share them with your physician. Results may be disclosed to health authorities only if legally mandated, e.g., for STDs or COVID-19. Review our privacy policy for more details.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by our medical review board consisting of Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Labs team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
